The department has received an exemption from the Albemarle County Service Authority to use water for mandated training and certifications.

“It basically just puts a lot more attention on the utilization of water. Whereas maybe in non-drought conditions we're able to be a little bit more egregious with how much water we apply and not pay as much attention. During drought conditions we're obviously a part of the team and make sure we're not wasteful with the resource,” said Albemarle Fire Rescue Division Chief of Training Scott Lambert.